A newly revealed technological disparity in smart meters between northern England and the southern regions is causing significant user frustrations. Many meters in the north rely on radio frequency signals, leading to malfunctions and a dependence on manual readings, while those in the Midlands and southern areas operate on more reliable cellular technology. With an estimated 3.5 million of the UK’s 36 million smart meters malfunctioning, energy companies face mounting pressure from the government to remedy these issues swiftly. Affected customers, like Glasgow’s Hartesh Battu, express dismay at the apparent inefficiencies of a system intended to save money and reduce carbon emissions.